Safety Experts Cautiously Optimistic as Pedestrian Deaths Decrease

A yellow pedestrian crossing sign with green trees in the background.

The United States has witnessed a surprising turn in road safety statistics. Across the country, pedestrian fatalities fell by 5.4% between 2022 and 2023. This drop marks the largest single-year decrease since 2009. However, we can't celebrate just yet. Despite this improvement, pedestrian deaths still exceed pre-pandemic levels by 14%.

While national trends provide a useful benchmark, Kansas faces its own unique challenges when it comes to pedestrian accidents. It's among the many states that have seen increases in pedestrian deaths from 2022 to 2023. To better address this issue, it's important to understand what's driving pedestrian fatalities. That includes the types of vehicles involved, the conditions that increase pedestrian risks, and driver behaviors that have deadly consequences.

Why are SUVs and pickup trucks a concern for pedestrian safety?

Kansas roads see plenty of larger vehicles, and this matters for pedestrian safety. Nationally, SUVs and pickup trucks were involved in 59.1% of pedestrian deaths in 2022, up from 43.8% in 2012. These vehicles' higher front ends and blunt profiles make them more dangerous in collisions with pedestrians.

Additionally, larger vehicles are heavier, which means they have more momentum and require greater stopping distances. This can make it harder for drivers to avoid collisions with pedestrians, even if they spot them in time.

SUVs and trucks also have larger blind spots, especially in front and to the sides. This can make it harder for drivers to see pedestrians, particularly children or shorter adults.

How does nighttime affect pedestrian deaths in Kansas?

Darkness poses a significant threat to pedestrians. Nationwide, 77% of pedestrian deaths occurred after dark in 2022. The risks pedestrians face at night include:

Reduced visibility: Darkness significantly reduces drivers' ability to see pedestrians. This can make it harder for motorists to spot and react to pedestrians in time, especially if the driver is speeding, distracted, impaired, or otherwise not driving responsibly.
Impaired depth perception: Low light conditions make it more difficult for drivers to judge distances and speeds accurately.
Increased fatigue: Drivers are more likely to be tired at night, which can lead to slower reaction times and decreased awareness.
Higher likelihood of impaired drivers: There's often a higher prevalence of drunk or impaired drivers on the roads at night, particularly on weekends.
Less traffic and higher speeds: With fewer cars on the road, some drivers may be tempted to speed, which reduces their ability to stop quickly if they encounter a pedestrian.

Where are pedestrians most at risk in Kansas?

A lack of proper infrastructure can put pedestrians in danger. Nationally, 66% of pedestrian deaths in 2022 happened on roads without sidewalks. This can be dangerous for pedestrians for several reasons, including:

Lack of separation: Without sidewalks, pedestrians are forced to share the same space as vehicles.
Reduced visibility: Drivers may not expect pedestrians on roads without sidewalks, making it harder to spot them.
Limited escape routes: If a vehicle approaches, pedestrians have fewer options to move out of the way quickly and safely.
Higher vehicle speeds: Roads without sidewalks are often in areas with higher speed limits.

What is Kansas doing to reduce pedestrian deaths?

Kansas isn't standing still in the face of these challenges. Our state is working to adopt the Safe Systems approach, which prioritizes eliminating fatal and severe injury crashes through six key principles:

Unacceptability of deaths and serious injuries.
Recognition of human error.
Acknowledgment of human physical vulnerability.
Shared responsibility among all stakeholders.
Proactive safety measures.
System redundancy for protection.

Reducing pedestrian deaths requires a multi-faceted approach. We need to:

Invest in pedestrian infrastructure, especially in high-risk areas.
Enhance nighttime visibility through better street lighting.
Educate drivers and pedestrians about shared road responsibilities.
Implement traffic calming measures in urban areas.

Protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve

A pedestrian accident in Kansas can have a devastating impact on your life. You could be faced with mounting medical expenses, loss of income, and pain and suffering linked to your injury. The experienced legal team at Warner Law Offices can help you get on the road to recovery. With decades of experience representing injury victims in Wichita and throughout Kansas, our attorneys fight for maximum compensation, and our case results prove it. Some of our notable outcomes include:

$3.9 million settlement for a client injured in a car rollover and ejection.
$335,000 settlement for a client who sustained a back injury in a collision with a truck.
$105,000 settlement for a client who suffered a shoulder injury in a crash.

Don't let insurance companies pressure you into accepting a quick settlement before you understand the full extent of your injuries and losses. Contact us today for a free case evaluation. Our team can help you through the legal process and fight for fair compensation on your behalf.